1700–1750 in Western fashion
Fashion in the period 1700–1750 in European and European-influenced countries is characterized by a widening silhouette for both men and women following the tall, narrow look of the 1680s and 90s. This era is defined as late Baroque/Rococo style. The new fashion trends introduced during this era had a greater impact on society, affecting not only royalty and aristocrats, but also middle and even lower classes. Clothing during this time can be characterized by soft pastels, light, airy, and asymmetrical designs, and playful styles. Wigs remained essential for men and women of substance, and were often white; natural hair was powdered to achieve the fashionable look. The costume of the eighteenth century, if lacking in the refinement and grace of earlier times, was distinctly quaint and picturesque.
In this English family portrait, the ladies wear pastel-colored gowns with closed skirts and lace caps. Some wear sheer aprons. The lady on the right wears a mantua. The men's long, narrow coats are trimmed with gold braid. c.1730–1740
A rigid, upright posture with a sharp "break" at the bust is characteristic of the stiffly boned stays of the 1730s. These English ladies wear formal mantuas for tea.
Empress Elisabeth Christine in riding costume.
Shoes of 1742 (left) and 1731 (right).
A mantua is an article of women's clothing worn in the late 17th century and 18th century. Initially a loose gown, the later mantua was an overgown or robe typically worn over stays, stomacher and either a co-ordinating or contrasting petticoat.
Mantua and petticoat of bizarre silk brocade, British, c. 1708 (MET)
Robe à la française, silk, pigment, linen. British, c. 1740s. Costume Institute: Metropolitan Museum of Art 1995.235a, b.
Robe à la polonaise, silk plain weave with supplementary warp- and weft-float patterning. France, c. 1775. Los Angeles County Museum of Art, M.70.85.
A 1750s court mantua showing the stylized back drapery (MET)